Today, Lady Gaga dropped a new single, “Hold My Hand,” and it’s already claimed a Top 5 spot on the Genius Top Songs chart. The song comes off the Top Gun: Maverick movie soundtrack and is Gaga’s first release since her 2021 joint album with singing legend Tony Bennett, Love For Sale. You can purchase your vinyl edition of that LP on Amazon now.
Gaga co-wrote and co-produced “Hold My Hand” with BloodPop® specifically for the Top Gun movie. Benjamin Rice also helped out with production. Leading up to the release of the cinematic ballad, Gaga revealed on Instagram that she worked on the track for years before turning in the finished product. For Gaga, the lyrics serve as a “love letter to the world during and after a very hard time.” “I wanted to make music into a song where we share our deep need to both be understood and try to understand each other—a longing to be close when we feel so far away and an ability to celebrate life’s heroes,” she explained.
On the first verse, Gaga sees that the world is hurting and wants to make sure we know that she can be a shoulder to lean on.
Pull me close, wrap me in your aching arms
I see that you’re hurtin’, why’d you take so long
She urges us to let it all out on the chorus.
You can cry every last tear
I won’t leave ’til I understand
Promise me, just hold my hand
On the second verse, Gaga offers some reassurance. Things will get better—it just takes time.
Raise your head, look into my wishful eyes
That fear that’s inside you will lift, give it time
She maintains her optimism on the bridge. It’s something she learned from someone who helped her through a difficult time.
I know you’re scared and your pain is imperfect
But don’t you give up on yourself
I’ve heard a story, a girl, she once told me
That I would be happy again
Top Gun: Maverick is set to arrive on May 27. In the meantime, you can read all the lyrics to “Hold My Hand” on Genius and pick up your Lady Gaga vinyl on Amazon.
